Hymns With A Message: BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD ABOVE

Sunday, July 10, 2011

BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD ABOVE

Last summer at Pinebrook one of the worship leaders introduced me to a song which has such solid God-centered theology with personal application. I loved the words and I loved the melody and I searched to find a copy of it. I thought it must be a new composition but I soon found out that it was actually written in 1869 by Charitie Lees Bancroft. I've since found out that it is very familiar to many older Christians who used to sing it as part of their worship. I've been unable to find out much about the author except that she was born in Ireland in 1841, married in Scotland in 1869, widowed twice, and buried in California in 1923. The beautiful music was written by Vikki Cook. One person has commented that the church will be singing this hymn one hundred years from now. It has that kind of message and melody that shouldn't be lost by true worshippers today. So there is little more that I can or should say about this hymn. Please take time this week to meditate upon the power and truth of the words ... Before the throne of God above I have a strong and perfect plea ... my soul is purchased by His blood. Praise the Lord for the truith of these words.

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong and perfect plea

A great High Priest whose name is love

Who ever lives and pleads for me

My name is graven on His hands

My name is written on His heart

I know that while in heaven He stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart

When Satan tempts me to despair

And tells me of the guilt within

Upward I look and see Him there

Who made an end of all my sin